Yamagata

Risshakuji Nokyodo on winter - Snowfall at Yamadera

Yamagata (山形) is the prefectural capital of Yamagata (prefecture)|Yamagata prefecture.

Yamagata Halal Travel Guide

Yamagata has been best known by outsiders for Mount Zao's thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) and Yamadera for centuries. In fact, Matsuo Basho stopped by Yamadera on July 13, 1689 as part of his poetic journey, Narrow Road to the Deep North, and penned the following famed haiku poem:

静けさや岩にしみ入る蝉の声

shizukesa ya iwa ni shimiiru semi no koe

Silence, and penetrating into the rocks — the cry of the cicada

— Matsuo Bashō

The meaning of this will be instantly apparent should you visit the temple (or most anywhere in Japan) during the late summer, when the cicadas' shrilling does sometimes get intense enough to sound like it is drilling through rock! To this day, for many visitors to Yamagata, it is the desire to visit Yamadera that compels them to come in the first place and from there branching out to discover other gems of the city and prefecture.

History

Like much of the Tohoku Region, Yamagata was originally inhabited by Ainu and Emishi people. They were expelled in 708 AD as the Yamato pushed northward and the area that is now Yamagata Prefecture and Akita Prefecture was annexed as Dewa Province in 712 AD. The capital at the time was in Sakata, but the area in and around present-day Yamagata City had a sizable population. Forts were built during this time that would later be expanded to become Yamagata Castle, Yamadera was built as the most prominent temple in the province, and the thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) of Mount Zao were already known and frequented by visitors.

The Mogami Clan (from the Shiba Clan) ruled over what is modern Yamagata Prefecture (minus the southern Okitama area) during the Sengoku Period. The Mogami sided with the Eastern Army during the Battle of Sekigahara, so they were not only able to keep their land and they were rewarded and became the 5th wealthiest domain in the nation under Mogami Yoshiaki who built up Yamagata Castle. After he died and the Mogami had difficulty establishing a proper successor and in 1622 the land was taken by the Shogunate from the Mogami and divided into three areas. Yamagata City was part of the Murayama Region and the Torii Clan was chosen as the rulers but the area continued struggling with its leadership, going through 13 different leaders in a very short period.

When the feudal perioid ended, Yamagata City was made its own prefecture but five years later in 1876 it was combined with surrounding areas (also "prefectures" at the time) to form modern Yamagata Prefecture with the city as its capital. Yamagata was designated an official city in 1889 and gained special city status in 2001.

How is the Climate in Yamagata

Yamagata City has hot, humid summers and snowy winters. Some might assume that being in the north gives it milder summers than much of the nation, but the city rests in a valley between mountains which makes summers hotter. In fact and the city set the record for the hottest temperature recorded in the nation (40.8°C) in 1933 and held it for 74 years until 2007 when Kumagaya and Tajimi both recorded temperatures of 40.9°C. The autumn season typically begins in late October and peaks in early November. Yamadera is especially popular during this time. Winters are snowy, and the ski season on Mount Zao begins around mid-December. The famous Zao "Snow Monsters" are typically at their best in February.

Yamagata Tourism Board

Yamagata City Yamagata Tourism Board Center - In the waiting area in Yamagata Station across from the ticket gate ☎ +81 23-647-2266 | Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5:30PM - Not many pamphlets available to grab yourself, but the people behind the counter can answer questions and can pull out pamphlets and travel information for you.

Yamagata Yamagata Tourism Board - Kajo Central 1F, 1-1-1 Jonan-machi GPS: Outside Yamagata Station's Nishiguchi exit ☎ +81 23-647-2333 - For those who want to browse pamphlets with lots of selection, this is the place to go. There are people there who can answer questions, but there are also lots of visible guides and pamphlets for those who want to look on their own.

Zao Onsen Travel Association - 708-1 Zao Onsen ☎ - Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5:30PM A small building across from the Zao Onsen bus terminal with information about attractions and thermal spas (Muslim Friendly), and skiing in the Zao area.

Travel as a Muslim to Yamagata

GPS: 38.2515|140.3326

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Yamagata

Yamagata Airport IATA Code: GAJ

Higashine GPS: 38.411944, 140.371111 - Yamagata Airport It has domestic Flights from Osaka (Itami), Tokyo (Haneda), and Nagoya (Komaki Airport). Flights directly to Yamagata can be expensive. Sendai has Flights from more airports and is typically significantly cheaper, so it is recommended to fly into Sendai and then travel by train to Yamagata. From Sendai Airport Station to Yamagata Station it takes a little over 2 hours and costs ¥2680.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Yamagata

The Yamagata Shinkansen zips from Tokyo to Yamagata in 2:45 at a cost of ¥20,690, and continues onward to Shinjo. From Fukushima onward the Shinkansen travels on an ordinary track and thus at Limited Express Train speeds.

Travel on a Bus in Yamagata

JR Bus Tohoku runs an overnight bus service and the Sakuranbo, from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. The trip takes about 6 1/4 hours and costs ¥6,500.

Kintetsu Bus operates a night bus to Yamagata from Osaka (Tennoji Station) and Kyoto (Kyoto Station's Hachijoguchi exit) for ¥23,300 (one-way)/¥24,000 (roundtrip) from Osaka or ¥22,800 (one-way)/¥23,100 (roundtrip) from Kyoto.

How to get around in Yamagata

Most of the town is centered around the JR station in the middle of town. Yamagata has a bus route, taxis, and bicycles for rent. Most of the most popular tourist destinations have bus routes that run to various areas around town including the areas further out, such as Yamadera and Zao Onsen. On weekends and holidays during the open season, some of the Zao Onsen buses terminate at the Okama Crater.

Yamako Bus timetables can be found here].

For Yamadera, it may be more convenient to travel by train to Yamadera Station. The temple entrance is just a five minutes walk away from the station past many souvenir shops. By train, Yamadera is less than 20 minutes (¥240 as of July 2018) from Yamagata Station on the JR Senzan Line which runs all the way to Sendai.

By car, Yamadera is about 25 minutes NE of Yamagata Station at the junction of Highway 19 and Highway 62. There is a large parking lot near Yamadera Station, and smaller parking lots closer to the temple complex. Parking costs ¥700-¥700.

What to see in Yamagata

Nishi-no-mae Iseki dogu-1 - Jomon Goddess at the Prefectural Museum

Yamagata Castle - 山形城 | GPS: 38.255272, 140.330713 ☎ +81 23-641-1212 | Opening Hours: 5AM Monday - 10PM Free The original castle was constructed in 1357 by Kaneyori Mogami but the castle was greatly expanded by Yoshiaki Mogami nearly 200 years later. The castle contained a palace building and other structures protected by mutliple walled sections with turrets surrounded by a moat. It was the largest castle in the Tohoku region, but it never had a donjon. Yoshiaki also built up the surrounding area as a respectable castle town, both expanding it and improving the existing infrastructure. He is sometimes called the "founder" of Yamagata City, even though people had been living there long before his lifetime. None of the original structures survive today however, efforts are ongoing to rebuild each part of the former castle. Reconstructions have been made out of wood to stay true to the original castle. You can wander the castle grounds and enter the Ninomaru East Gate building to learn a bit more about the castle. The JR Ou Main Line travels directly along the moat past the Ninomaru Gate. It's fun for trainspotters to get pictures of the trains with the castle but the downside is that it limits the angles from which you can view it. The site is listed as one of the top 100 castles in Japan.

Mogami Yoshiaki Historical Museum - 最上義光歴史館 | 1-53 Omotecho GPS: 38.25511, 140.333394 ☎ +81 23-625-7101 Mogami Yoshiaki was a former daimyo of the Dewa Province. He is credited for vastly expanding Yamagata Castle and transforming the area from a modest, somewhat run-down town into a respectable modern city. He fought many battles in the region and gained territory for siding with the Tokugawa during the Battle of Sekigahara to make his domain one of the top in the nation at the time. The museum includes exhibits about the city's history in addition to those about Mogami.

Yamagata Prefectural Museum - 山形県立博物館 | 1-8 Kajo-machi GPS: 38.254407, 140.329457 A museum with exhibits of historic artifacts from Yamagata Prefecture. It is home to the famous "Jomon Goddess" (Jomon no Megami), a ceramic statue of a goddess forged in the Jomon Period. For Japanese history buffs, it's worth a visit just to see this object. The prefecture's famous pilgrimage shrines (the Dewa Sanzan) and temple (Yamadera) also have informative exhibits. In addition to the historical exhibits and the museum also has displays on the local culture, rocks and minerals, and flora and fauna.

Bunshōkan - 文翔館 | GPS: 38.256897, 140.341246 ☎ +81 23-635-5500 | Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 4:30PM Free A large structure constructed during the Taisho Period after British Renaissance architecture. It was used as the Yamagata Prefectural Government Building. There are a few lavishly decorated rooms that visitors can enter and look around.

Yamagata Museum of Art - 山形美術館 yamagata bijutsukan | GPS: 38.25588, 140.332402 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 5PM ¥700 The museum's permanent collection contains works by Kichiro Hasegawa, Matsuo Basho, and Claude Monet. Special exhibits typically show for about a month at a time, so check the museum website to see what will be featured during your visit.

Kyōdokan - 山形市郷土館 | GPS: 38.253131, 140.328503 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 4:30PM Free Built in 1876 as a hospital, it's known for its unique architecture. It was registered as an Important Cultural Property in 1966. The exhibits show the building's history and information about medical studies during that time period.

Seifū-sō - 清風荘 | GPS: 38.245634, 140.34458 - Viewing the garden is free, but you can obtain tea within the building for a fee A historic building with a nice garden. It was originally constructed as part of a temple and served as its garden until the Meiji Restoration. The temple buildings are long gone but the garden remains. The tea house was built in 1954.

Museum of Yamagata University - 山形大学附属博物館 | GPS: 38.246554, 140.349061 Opening Hours: 9:30AM Monday - 5PM (Closed Weekends and Holidays) Contains natural science exhibits and displays on some of the university's studies and research findings.

Karamatsu Kannondo - 唐松観音堂 | GPS: 38.244292, 140.3913 - One of the 33 temples of the Mogami pilgrimage. It's noted for its architecture, jutting out of the mountainside overlooking the surrounding area. Just below the temple stands the original Nabetaro (鍋太郎), a named nabe pot that was used during the first "Best Imoni-kai in Japan Festival" (日本一の芋煮会フェスティバル) to make imoni to serve guests. They no longer have need for this one, since they've since made larger pots for the festival, so it stands here as a memorial and fun photo op.

Yamagata Prefectural Arts and Literature Museum - 山形県芸文美術館 yamagataken geibun bijutsukan | Nana Beans 6F GPS: 38.253586, 140.339918 ☎ +81 23-615-6860 | Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 6PM Displays of local art and calligraphy.

Yamagata City Industrial History Museum - 山形市産業歴史資料館 | 10 Imono-machi GPS: 38.230587, 140.289475 ☎ +81 23-645-4491 | Opening Hours: 8:30AM Monday - 5PM Free A small museum showcasing some of the city's top quality products, particularly Yamagata imono (metal casting).

Seikai Kunii Contemporary Calligraphy Memorial Museum - 國井誠海記念館 | 2-7-41 Kiyozumi-machi GPS: 38.258057, 140.312974 ☎ +81 23-644-1738 | Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 5PM, Weekends only ¥700 - Seikai Kunii founded the Seishinsha, a group that studies modern calligraphy, in 1917 and this museum features his calligraphy, calligraphy he has collected, and special exhibits along with information about modern calligraphy (in Japanese).

Warabe no Sato History and Culture Museum - わらべの里歴史と文化の美術館 | 1138 Dosudaira Zao Onsen GPS: 38.166876, 140.365409 ☎ +81 23-693-0093 | Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5PM (Closed Tues) ¥700 A museum consisting of five buildings collected and over 1000 artifacts collected by a single man, Yaheiji Okazaki. Emperor Meiji stayed in one of the buildings, and imperial objects and items from Yamagata Castle's former lords are featured among many others.

Yamadera

Yamadera_Cliff - Cliff at Ryushakuji

Yamadera - 山寺 | GPS: 38.311849, 140.434794 10 min walk from Yamadera Station Yamadera 2005-04 ¥300 Commonly known as Yamadera and the temple's actual name is Ryūshaku-ji (立石寺) Temple (also sometimes called Risshakuji). Founded in 860 AD by the priest Ennin and the sacred flame inside is tended everyday and has been burning for those thousand years. The name of the temple means "Standing Stones Temple" for the fantastically wind and water sculpted stones on the mountainside and all along the way up. It's a steep 1110 steps from the entrance to the complex all the way to the Oku-no-in sanctuary at the top, but the view of the mountains and countryside spread out before you, especially from the Godaigo viewing platform, seems little changed over the centuries, and is worth the effort. There are also a number of important cultural treasures - Buddhist sculptures, mandalas and such - held and displayed by the temple, whose priests have strongly resisted the bid to become nationally designated as such, preferring to tend the temples, sculptures and other treasures as they always have, without the bureaucratic regulation official designation entails. If you visit during the winter months and the little town is eerily beautiful and completely covered in snow. Local shopkeepers will rent out goloshes and sell heat packs to keep you warm on the uphill climb. There are few visitors then but the climb is worth it on a clear day when the view across the valley is breathtaking. Allow at least 2-3 hours for your climb up and back.

Yamadera Goto Museum of Art - 山寺後藤美術館 yamadera goto bijutsukan | GPS: 38.308725, 140.439563 ¥800A European art museum.

Yamadera Bashō Museum - 山寺芭蕉記念館 | GPS: 38.309551, 140.438982 ☎ +81 23-695-2221 - ¥600Across the steep valley the temple overlooks, and up a short walk to the opposite hilltop is the lovely park of Fuga-no-Kuni, where you will find this museum featuring exhibitions of Basho's poetry and scrolls. The famous poet, Matsuo Basho, stopped here on his journey through the Tohoku Region. The museum gives information about him, his travels, and the poems he wrote here at Yamadera. Information is available in English, a rarity in Japanese museums.

Momijigawa Ravine - 紅葉川渓谷 | GPS: 38.332987, 140.496093 ☎ +81 23-657-3466 - Momijigawa Ravine is a scenic valley near Yamadera. It's a popular place for hiking, offering many nice views over the river and also features some waterfalls. It's especially vibrant in the autumn among the red, orange, and yellow leaves.

What to do in Yamagata

Yamagata Traditional Kokeshikan - やまがた伝統こけし館 yamagata dentō kokeshikan - Nana Beans 5F GPS: 38.253583, 140.33991 ¥700 to paint your own kokeshi The Kokeshikan has displays of old kokeshi and explanations of the various types of kokeshi. Visitors can also try painting their own kokeshi dolls.

Zao Onsen Ski Resort - 蔵王温泉スキー場 | GPS: 38.167376, 140.393772 ☎ +81 23-694-9215 - Zao has been a popular ski destination for decades. The area features 32 lifts and a variety of options for skiers from first-timers to pros.

Zao Onsen

Zao Onsen is a hot spring town near the border with Miyagi famous for its cloudy blue sulfuric water. It is also known for its own kokeshi and the Zao Takayu kokeshi (see "Buy" for vendors). In the summer and autumn and the area is popular for hiking and visitors can go to Zao Crater just over the prefectural border. In the winter it's a popular place for skiing and viewing "Snow Monsters" (a name given to the snow-covered trees due to their strange creature-like appearance). Here are some of the thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) not connected to hotels that are open to the public.

Zao Onsen Dairotemburo - 蔵王温泉大露天風呂 | GPS: 38.166166, 140.4018 ☎ +81 23-694-9417 | Opening Hours: 6AM Monday - 7PM (closed Dec to mid-April) ¥750 An open-air hot spring (rotemburo) located in an atmospheric forest enclave in the mountainside. It easily sets itself apart from other onsen in the nation and consistently receives high ratings among visitors.

Genshichi Roten no Yu - 源七露天の湯 | GPS: 38.166702, 140.398772 ☎ +81 23-694-9251 | Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 9PM ¥650 A hot spring with both an outdoor rotemburo and an indoor bath.

Events

Hanagasa Festa 2002 - Hanagasa Festival

Zao Juhyo Festival - 蔵王樹氷まつり | ☎ +81 23-647-2266 - Even if you're not interested in skiing, Zao's Ski area attracts winter visitors for its famous juhyo, better known as "Snow Monsters". Of course there are no real monsters; the "snow monsters" are created by the heavy amount of snow covering the trees. The festival season begins in late December and continues through early March. There is a Light-Up on specific days during the event, including most of the month of February when the monsters are typically at their best. Other events occur randomly throughout the season.

Hanagasa Festival - 花笠まつり | GPS: Opening Hours: August 5-7 - The Hanagasa Festival is Yamagata's most famous festival and the prefectural representative among the top festivals of the Tohoku|Tohoku Region. It began as a single dance in the Zao Summer Festival and branched out as its own distinct celebration in 1965. It is set apart from other summer dancing festivals by its use of flower hats (hanagasa) by all participants. The festival has become so popular that many cities and towns throughout Yamagata Prefecture hold their own Hanagasa Festivals, but this is the original as well as the largest.

Japan's Top Imoni-kai Festival - 日本一の芋煮会フェスティバル | Along the Mamigasaki River, near Sotsukibashi Bridge ☎ +81 23-622-0141 | Opening Hours: In Sept on the day before Respect for the Aged Day A festival where the local Yamagata imoni is cooked on in a cauldron 6 meters in diameter. The soup is so large it is stirred with excavators. People come to see the spectacle and of course get a taste of the imoni.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Yamagata

From the JR station in the middle of town and there are free buses that will take you over to a decent amount of the local non-touristy shopping. JusCo has a bus that runs up until 4pm each day that visits the eastern Yamagata location. Central to the JR station and there is a wealth of local shops, department stores, book stores of all kinds. The main street that runs from the JR station has several side streets as well. There are many shops that catered to all your basic needs, though very few were designed or meant exclusively as tourist destinations. There are very few chain stores in downtown Yamagata, though the skirts of town have a few chain stores like Joy (hardware), Super Denkodo (electronics), JusCo (giant supermarket), and a Toys R Us.

For souvenirs and there are shops within the station. But the best locations for souvenirs tend to be around Yamadera and Zao Onsen. Around Yamadera you'll find an exceptionally well chosen assortment of Yamagata crafts from naturally dyed silks to wooden toys, to iron and pottery pieces, most of which they source directly from the local craftspeople who make them. Zao Onsen also has an interesting selection of goods including Zao Takayu Kokeshi, one of 12 famous schools of kokeshi dolls in the Tohoku Region. There are a few shops where you can purchase them. Those interested can check the bottom of the kokeshi to learn which artist painted that doll. Different shops carry different artists' dolls.

Notoya Kobo Eijiro - 能登屋工房栄治郎 | 36 Zao Onsen GPS: 38.168099, 140.396837 - The shop was founded by the reknowned kokeshi artist, Okazaki Ikuo as the place to purchase his kokeshi. He is among the most famous of the Zao Takayu kokeshi artists, and the shop features the widest selection of kokeshi with many sizes to choose from. It also offers some kokeshi from other artists, including those from other schools, so if either the artist or school are important to you, double-check before purchasing.

Tanaka Kokeshiya - 田中こけし店 | 875-12 Zao Onsen GPS: 38.166699, 140.398206 ☎ +81 23-694-9386 | Opening Hours: 8:30AM Monday - 9PM A shop selling Zao Takayu kokeshi from some of the prominent local artists. There are also other kokeshi and souvenirs. They also offer a paint-your-own kokeshi experience for a fee until 5PM.

Juichiya - 十一屋 | 1 Chome−4-32 Nanokamachi GPS: 38.253476, 140.338906 ☎ +81 23-622-0011 | Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 7:30PM A well-known local confectionary shop. They offer a variety of cookies, cakes, jellies, and other Snacks, typically featuring specialties from Yamagata, such as local Rice or the many famous fruits grown here. It's a very popular place to purchase souvenir Snacks. They have a few shops around the city, including a small one in the basement of Yamagata Station. This location is the main shop. It includes an attached restaurant.

Halal Restaurants in Yamagata

Yamagata is known for its ramen. The specific type said to originate here is hiyashi ramen which is characterized by its cold broth. As such, it's especially popular in the summertime, although you can eat it year-round. Yamadera is known for tama-kon, balls of konnyaku (a firmly chewy gelatin like substance made from ground konjak 'devil's tongue' roots) cooked in soy Sauce and served on a stick. You can buy them at the base of Yamadera as its said that eating them will give you the stamina to reach the temple atop the mountain. Be aware that the mustard they put on it is Japanese-style mustard, much hotter than Western varieties. The street connecting the temple and JR station are lined with family-owned soba shops that serve freshly-made soba, whose taste and springy texture cannot be compared to the pale, limp soba served in quick Noodles shops in the big cities outside of Yamagata. If you can get your - Noodles with a side of sansai local mountain wild vegetables, don't pass up the chance for these seasonal delicacies.

Ryushanhai - GPS: 38.24554, 140.33105 A Yamagata ramen restaurant.

Gran Rock - カフェレストラングランロック | GPS: 38.282009, 140.356222 Opening Hours: 11AM Monday - 8:30PM Their signature dish is the Omurice, but they also serve Yamagata beef burgers, Pizzas, and a variety of Pasta dishes.

Uchoten Ramen Evolution - 有頂天らーめんEvolution | GPS: 38.234436, 140.33481 A ramen restaurant serving its own original ramen dishes, as well as normal ramen, gyoza, and other foods.

Takefuku - 竹ふく | GPS: 38.244879, 140.317475 Opening Hours: 11:30AM Monday - 3PM A popular soba restaurant.

Classic Cafe - クラシックカフェ | 2-7-6 Nanokamachi GPS: 38.253089, 140.339871 ☎ +81 23-666-3131 | Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30AM Monday - 4PM, Dinner 5:30PM Monday - 11PM An Italian restaurant in a rustic setting, it's most famous dish is its omelette (omurice), but Classic Cafe also offers a variety of Pasta dishes and pizzas.

Hanazen - 花膳 - B1F 3-1-9 Kasumicho GPS: 38.246851, 140.33095 ☎ +81 23-633-7272 | Opening Hours: 5PM Monday - 11PM A dinner spot well-known for serving up local specialties, including Yamagata imoni, a taro and Meat dish, along with a variety of local soft drinks and sake.

Genghis Khan Lodge - ジンギスカンロッジ | 758-2 Zaoonsen GPS: 38.171855, 140.397763 ☎ +81 23-694-9546 - The Zao area is known for "Genghis Khan" and the Japanese name for Mongolian barbecue. Unsurprisingly, given the restaurant's name, Genghis Khan Lodge is one of the most famous places to indulge in this specialty.

Torien - 鳥縁 | GPS: 38.232717, 140.340005 ☎ +81 23-674-8445 | Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30AM Monday - 2PM, Evening 5PM Monday - midnight - Serves Japanese food such as oyakodon, raw eggs over Rice, gyoza, and Chicken cutlets.

Jai - ジャイ | 2-3-30 Nanuka-machi GPS: 38.251548, 140.340702 ☎ +81-23-623-6200 | Opening Hours: Lunch 12AM Monday - 2PM, Dinner 6:30-10PM - One of the most popular Indian restaurants in the city.

Bar Blumen - Bar ぶる～めん | GPS: 38.252567, 140.340909 ☎ +81 23-631-2876 | Opening Hours: 7PM Monday - 2AM A whiskey and café.

50s Cocktail Bar Cool - 50s cocktail's bar クール | GPS: 38.247661, 140.329993 Opening Hours: 7PM Monday - 3AM Monday to Thurs, 6PM Monday - 4AM Fri-Sat, 7PM Monday - 1AM Sunday A bar that looks like a 1950s American diner.

Ride 4 Style - GPS: 38.246706, 140.330242 ☎ +81 23-687-0721 | Opening Hours: 7PM Monday - 3AM A sports café.

Hotnaru Yokocho - ほっとなる横丁 | 2-6-2 Ryutsu Center GPS: 38.252131, 140.339385 ☎ +81 23-666-7604 - An enclave of traditional yatai foodstalls; an escape from the urban jungle located right in the middle of it. Each stall has its own unique menu but all of them work to use and feature local Yamagata products and produce.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Yamagata

Yamagata - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Yamagata, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Yamagata. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Yamagata and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Yamagata. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Yamagata. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inYamagata: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Yamagata.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Yamagata: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Yamagata, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Yamagata.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Yamagata, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Yamagata, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Yamagata and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Yamagata, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Yamagata, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Yamagata without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Yamagata is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Yamagata.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Yamagata is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Yamagata, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Yamagata Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Yamagata

eHalal Group Yamagata is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Yamagata. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Yamagata.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Yamagata ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Yamagata. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Yamagata, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Yamagata are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Nearly every hotel in the city is located around Yamagata Station.

Hotel Limoges - ホテルリモージュ | GPS: 38.246615, 140.333412 Rooms from ¥7700 -

Toyoko Inn Yamagataeki Nishiguchi - 東横イン山形駅西口 | GPS: 38.250333, 140.32382 ☎ +81 23-644-1045 +Singles from ¥6500 | checkin=4PM / Check-out: 10AM

Hotel Alpha-1 Yamagata - ホテル・アルファ－ワン山形 | GPS: 38.247353, 140.336226 Singles from ¥7800 | checkin=3PM / Check-out: 10AM

Hotel Route Inn Yamagataekimae - ホテルルートイン山形駅前 | GPS: 38.249459, 140.324873 Singles from ¥6050 | checkin=3PM / Check-out: 10AM

Hotel East One - ホテルイーストワン | GPS: 38.250867, 140.329646 ☎ +81 23-635-0303 + | checkin=3PM / Check-out: 10AM

Hotel Green Tohoku - GPS: 38.249453, 140.334613 ☎ +81 23-633-6271 +Singles from ¥7500 -

Zao Kokusai Hotel - 蔵王国際ホテル | GPS: 38.162355, 140.397328 ☎ +81 23-694-2111 Checkin - 2PM / Check-out: 10AM Typically ¥23,000-¥27,000 - Offering Asian-style and Japanese-style rooms, as well as suites. The hotel's onsen has made it one of the Zao Onsen's superior Muslim friendly accommodations. It has both indoor and outdoor baths in a quiet, atmospheric setting. It's best to book on weekdays or book early as weekends tend to book out quickly.

Meitoya-So - 名湯舎創 | 48 Zao Onsen GPS: 38.167672, 140.398186 ☎ +81 23-666-6531 Checkin - 3PM / Check-out: 10AM ¥7500-¥70000 per person A cozy hotel in Zao Onsen with its own onsen for guests.

Takamiya - 高見屋 | GPS: 38.168828, 140.39779 A ryokan in Zao Onsen with private onsen in the rooms.

News & References Yamagata

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Yamagata

The holy mountains of Dewa Sanzan are within striking distance of Yamagata.
Higashine
Yonezawa
Tendo
Kaminoyama
Obanazawa
Shinjo
Tsuruoka
Shiroishi
Sendai - Capital of Miyagi Prefecture